A business park redevelopment has been given a vote of confidence by one of the estate's longest standing businesses, which could safeguard jobs.

Lingfield Warehousing, which has been running on the site for more than 20 years, has signed a lease to stay at Lingfield Point, Darlington, for another five years.

The business site was relaunched after a £16m refurbishment last year.

The deal safeguards the jobs of the Lingfield Warehousing workforce and allows it to look at future expansion possibilities, possibly increasing employment.

The warehouse lease covers 200,000sq ft of ground floor space on the estate, off McMullen Road.

Eddie Humphries, estates manager at Lingfield Point, said: "Lingfield Warehousing's willingness to commit its future to the complex shows continued and increased confidence in Lingfield Point following the recent work. We hope they will grow with us as our redevelopment continues."

Alan Grant, managing director of Lingfield Warehousing, said: "We are pleased to be able to put our confidence in Lingfield Point and sign this new lease, safeguarding jobs and giving us high hopes of expansion."